MANAGING ICT
Assistant head Steve
Fuller explains why
games-based learning can
be positive and provides
Game on
advice for those who are
hesitant about introducing
games into lessons
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of games-
RECENT SURVEY conducted by based learning is its capability of appealing to and
A
the education technology charity engaging the disengaged; reaching out to those who
Futurelab, entitled Computer feel unmotivated by traditional learning methods with
Games, Schools and Young People, something they understand can be immensely valuable
revealed that games in education in building their confidence.
should be treated like any other To enable games-based learning to be a success,
learning resource and that they it is important that the school is facilitated in terms
are valuable in supporting young people’s educational of resources to allow this to happen. A particularly
journeys. effective example I have seen is in a science lesson.
Games are an inherent part of most UK children’s Laptops were brought out for students to use and
lives and provide a key source of entertainment. Many they were then each able to access their own area of
teachers already use games-based learning within the programme to revise; which is a brilliant way of
lessons, and the Futurelab report revealed that of the maintaining their attention and injecting fun into the
teachers surveyed, 60 per cent are considering bringing classroom.
this style of learning into the classroom. with different questions means that students are resources enable the teacher to actually create and set However, if the school is ill-equipped then games-
But while many teachers welcome this learning constantly challenged and able to get their teeth into students their own questions, which again provides based learning will not be as easily integrated and there
technique, there is also a number who are apprehensive learning. an element of personalisation. Games-based learning will need to be more planning on the teacher’s behalf to
and struggle to comprehend how it can improve learning Also, with some games-based learning resources resources can also help to motivate students when it ensure that each learner is able to use the service.
outcomes. also providing access via various devices, such as comes to homework. Most important is that educationalists bear in
For many teachers, there lies a fear that, although student’s mobile phones, children can log onto their Young people of today are growing up in an mind the rise in games-based revision and learning
a good intention, introducing games to a classroom homework at anytime, anywhere. immensely digital society; gaming and technology is techniques.
of children could backfire on them and result in poor To truly maximise its benefits, teachers should something that they are familiar with and much of their As technology plays an increasingly prominent
productivity and behaviour problems. immerse themselves in gaming and prepare fully prior free time is spent playing on games consoles. role within 21st century learning, it is becoming
However, a fundamental concept of games-based to implementing it within school. As with any new Games-based learning rejects the concept that more apparent that gaming is here to stay. Rather
learning resources is that the students are only able technology or equipment introduced, learners will be learning is dull and tedious, and learners choose than viewing it with fear, I recommend that teachers
to play games once they have unlocked them via inquisitive and will want to know how it works and voluntarily to return to their work. The resource we embrace its value in supporting them in their position.
answering questions correctly. To progress to the what they can gain from it. currently use at my school is effective because learners Using appealing resources that students actually
next level, users must ensure they keep studying and Although in many cases the students will be able to frequently use it, and can do so as and when they want to use can improve learning outcomes and offer
improving their knowledge. establish how to use a games-based learning resource wish. students an enriched and enjoyable, yet hugely effective
One of the best aspects of integrating gaming into quickly and with ease, as a teacher you should be fully The result is that children dedicate more of their own learning path. SecEd
education is that revision can become more focused. prepped so that if students bombard you with questions personal time playing the games, and most importantly,
Learners can brush up on a particular area of you can provide an answer. learning. We have received updates to inform us of • Steve Fuller is an assistant headteacher at St Wilfred’s
weakness with ease – they are able to access a specific Also, if the students see that their teacher is actively the number of times students are logging on to revise CE High School and Technology College, a school and
subject area quickly and immediately get started with involved and interested in the resource, this too during their free time and the results have proven 6th form college in Blackburn, which uses the games-
their revision. Targeting a particular area of weakness can prove motivating. Some games-based learning phenomenal. based revision resource, i am learning.
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